How to watch our upcoming debates for Maine governor, senator
Three Maine news organizations are joining forces to present a series of election debates this October, giving voters a chance to hear directly from the candidates vying for the state’s highest offices.
The Portland Press Herald, Maine Public and NEWSCENTER Maine announced the partnership, which will cover the gubernatorial race, the U.S. Senate contest and both congressional districts. The debates come at a time when Maine voters will decide not only a Senate seat, the governorship and two U.S. House seats, but also the entire State Legislature—a combination that officials describe as one of the most consequential election years in recent memory.
The first event, set for Thursday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m., will feature the three candidates for governor: Republican Bobby Charles, Democrat Hannah Pingree and independent Rick Bennett. The 60‑minute discussion will be held at the Gracie Theater in Bangor, with Maine Public’s Jennifer Rooks serving as moderator. Questions will be drawn from Press Herald political reporter Billy Kobin and Maine Public state‑house correspondent Kevin Miller. Although seating in the theater is limited to invited guests, the debate will be streamed live on pressherald.com, Maine Public television and radio, and NEWSCENTER Maine (Channel 6 in the Portland area and Channel 2 in the Bangor area). Members of the public can submit questions for the candidates through a link provided by the organizers.
A week later, on Thursday, Oct. 15 at the same time and venue, the Senate candidates will meet. Republican Susan Collins and Democrat Troy Jackson have both confirmed their attendance for another 60‑minute session moderated by Jennifer Rooks. This time the questioning will be handled by Maine Public’s chief politics and government correspondent Steve Mistler and NEWSCENTER Maine’s Phil Hirschkorn. As with the governor’s debate, only a limited number of tickets will be available for invited guests, while the broadcast will be carried on the same streaming platforms.
The focus then shifts to the 2nd Congressional District. On Thursday, Oct. 22 at 7 p.m., a taped 30‑minute interview will air with Democratic nominee Matt Dunlap. Republican Paul LePage did not accept the invitation to participate. The interview will be available for viewing on pressherald.com, Maine Public TV and radio, and NEWSCENTER Maine.
Finally, the 1st Congressional District debate is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. in Maine Public’s newly opened studio in Portland. Democratic incumbent Chellie Pingree and Republican challenger Ronald Russell will face each other in a live 30‑minute format moderated by Jennifer Rooks, with questions posed by Steve Mistler and Phil Hirschkorn. Invited‑guest tickets will be offered for the studio audience, and the debate will be streamed on the same outlets used for the earlier events.
Throughout the series, organizers are encouraging viewers to submit questions they would like the moderators to ask, via the online forms associated with each debate. By providing multiple ways to watch and participate, the collaborating outlets aim to give Maine voters comprehensive access to the candidates as they make their choices in the 2026 election cycle.
